Former mayor throws hat into ring

A former Harrison Hot Springs mayor has decided to take a run at the mayor’s seat once again.

Leo Facio, mayor from 2005 to 2008, told the Observer his decision came after support from other residents of Harrison Hot Springs.

“I just felt it was time for a change and I’ve been getting a lot of feedback from residents that I should run,” he said.

Before his term as mayor, Facio was a Harrison councillor dating back to 1993.

He lost the last election to current mayor Ken Becotte in 2008.

As of press time, Becotte and Facio were the only candidates who have made their intentions known this newspaper. However, the deadline for nomination is October 14.

Facio has been knocking on doors in the community, talking to potential voters.

“I like dealing with the public,” he said. “I think communication is very important.”

He listed off a number of issues he’d like addressed if elected, including lowered tax rates, a lease or trust for the 220 acres of east sector parkland, the lack of development in the Village and a return to two council meetings a month.

Only three of the incumbent councillors in Harrison are running in this election, as reported last week in The Observer. Dave Harris will not seek re-election for another term. Councillors Dave Kenyon, Allan Jackson and Bob Perry all have stated that they will.